This blog is to help local photographers find events that are photogenic, a possible opportunity to get the camera out and get a few great shots. If you know of upcoming events in Southern California, Email them to cowtech@earthlink.net

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Through June 20 Weekends. Koroneburg Old World Festival - Corona
Located at Riverview Park, off River Road. They have permanent buildings that make great backdrops, lots of shade, flat walking area. This is a smaller event than the one in Irwindale. I think this makes for great images. Lots of entertainment. Meet hundreds of family members living, working & playing in Southern California’s only permanent Renaissance Village! Visitors to this 1450-1600 European Village are entertained, discover fine arts and crafts, and enjoy delectable food and beverages. The setting is the fictitious estate of the Baron Heinrich Von Lauffer, located along the Rhine river (aka Santa Ana River) between Mainz and Strasbourg. Each year the Baron invites the finest minds and most talented actors to celebrate the coming of spring at his Barony of Koroneburg. The festival celebrates the inventions and changes of the renaissance period. Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays & 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Location: Crossroads Riverview Park 14600 River Rd, Corona, CA 92880. Cost: $18 Adult; $15 Child 5-11 or Senior 62+; $12 Military with valid ID; Children under 5 Free. www.renaissanceinfo.com/riverview

June 1-3 - Temecula Balloon and Wine Festival - Temecula
FESTIVAL LOCATION: Lake Skinner Recreation Area 37701 Warren Rd. Winchester, CA 92596
GATES OPEN: 5:00 pm FRIDAY, 6:00 am SATURDAY AND SUNDAY HOURS: Friday - 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm., Saturday - 6:00 am to 11:00 pm., Sunday - 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Photographers revel in the visuals from dawn mass balloon ascensions to evening balloon glows. The Festival kicks off Friday, June 1 at 5 p.m. with a country music concert on the main stage, arts and craft fair, wine tasting and the luminescent extravaganza known as the "Balloon Glow." The Glow is created when balloon pilots synchronize igniting burners of the balloons. The burner is what creates the “hot” in the air. Whether done to a musical beat or the crowd’s demand to “Glow,” the balloons appear to dance as they flicker and shine against the hues of dusk and nightfall. Held both Friday and Saturday nights around 8 p.m. (after dusk), the Glow is one of the most popular entertainment options of the Festival. Saturday and Sunday mornings are spectacular at the Festival when colorful hot air balloons dot the pastel dawn skies of Temecula. The mass balloon ascension takes place between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. weather permitting. Guests are encouraged to arrive early as hot air balloons need the cool morning air to fly.

June 2 - Steve McQueen Car Show - Chino Hills
On June 2th, we will again gather for the 4th Annual Friends of Steve McQueen Car Show. Once again, all Show proceeds will benefit the Boys Republic in Chino Hills.
Chad McQueen shows off his fathers cars alongside more than 200 Porsches, Ferraris, Cobras and Mustangs on the grounds of the Boys Republic. http://www.mcqueenonline.com/thefriendsofstevemcqueencarshow2011.htm

June 2 - Gilmore Heritage Auto Show - Los Angeles
To celebrate the rich history of Gilmore Gas and its extraordinary impact on the car culture of California, Farmers Market hosts one of the most entertaining casual car shows in the West. Typically featuring more than 100 vintage and classic American cars – old cars, modified hot rods, unique brands and models – the show is always held on the first Saturday in June. More than a decade old, the Gilmore Heritage Auto Show is a great celebration of cars and those who drive them.http://www.farmersmarketla.com/special_events/events/autoshow/index.asp
11AM to 5pm 6333 West 3rd. St., 3rd and Fairfax. FREE

June 3 - Valley Mustang Club Car Show - Simi Valley
More than 115 classic and modified cars and Ford Mustangs. Sycamore Community Park. http://www.valleymustangclub.com/

June 2-3 - Wings Over Gillespie Air Show - El Cajon
Airplane enthusiasts and history buffs will want to see these famous aircraft of WWII coming to Gillespie Field Airport. B-17 Flying Fortress ’Sentimental Journey’ and B-25 Mitchell ‘Maid in the Shade’ from the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum will be on display at Gillespie Field Airport offering rides and tours Tuesday, May 31 through Sunday, June 5. Both WWII Bombers will be the main attraction at the Wings Over Gillespie Airshow. http://ag1caf.org/ Charge for tours and flights. Other aricraft displays, live entertainment and food.

June 9-10 - Antique Wooden Boat Show - Lake Arrowhead
This magnificent boat show features sixty of the finest antique and classic wooden boats which are displayed on the dockside of Lake Arrowhead Village where visitors can view these wonderful boats. http://www.lakearrowhead.net/

June 9 - Rods and Rails Car Show - Perris
The 13th Annual Rods and Rails Extravaganza, always a huge hit with lovers of classic cars, trains and Perris history, promises something for everyone who drops by the Orange Empire Railway Museum to take in the show. The City of Perris once again is teaming up with the Railway Museum and the Perris Valley Historical and Museum Association on the Rods and Rails Festival. Event organizers expect 4,500 to 5,000-visitors for the June 11 event, another in series of festivals and celebrations highlighting Perris 100th birthday. 100 to 120-classic cars and 50 motorcycles to be on display. Rods and Rails 2011 also includes free admission and free parking. http://www.cityofperris.org/

June 16 - Lancaster Photo Assoc Photo Day - Lancaster
The Southern California Photography Conference will be held in Lancaster on June 16, 2012. This event is being sponsored by the Lancaster Photography Association. Our key note speaker will be Canon Explorer of Light, George Lepp. We are in the planning stages but have many guest speakers lined up to for a fabulous day of photography lectures and demonstrations including "Entering and Preparing Photos for the AV Fair" beginning at 6:00 pm. The conference is being held at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds in the Harley Davidson Building. This will be a fantastic opportunity for all of us to learn something new and meet other photographers. 8AM-5PM http://www.lpaphotography.org/ FREE also Moose Peterson presents.

June 16 - Loews Coronado Surf Dog Competition - Imperial Beach
See Spot surf at the Loews Dog Surfing Competition – the nation’s original surfing competition for man’s best friend. Each year, dozens of canines from across the U.S. hang 10 (errr, 20) for a great cause. Dunes Park/Beach 700 Seacoast Drive. 10AM-2PM, http://www.loewssurfdog.blogspot.com/

June 15-17 - Pismo Beach Classic Car Show - Pismo Beach
The Classic at Pismo Beach is one of the largest classic car and street rod shows on the West Coast and "one of the finest." Pismo Beach, California, is the host city for this classic car show, now coming up on its 26th year. This show, held annually on the 3rd full weekend of June, pulls in 1000 classic cars and street rods and over 125,000 spectators over three days. www.the pismobeachclassic.com Location down by the pier.

June 17 - Civil War Battle - Ft Tejon
Watch volunteers present skirmishes and demonstrate the tactics used during the Civil War. Tour the camps and see how they lived. Sunday battles at 10:30AM and 1:00PM. Bring blanket or chair if you don't want to stand. Bring lunch as no food is available on site. Off Interstate 5 at the Grapevine, South of Frazier Park turn off. http://www.forttejon.org/civil_war.html

June 17 - Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance - Beverly Hills
The Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance will celebrate "The Art of Italian Motoring" on June 17, 2012. The annual event will take place as the country of Italy marks an important milestone with the 150th anniversary of the Unification of Italy. In celebration, Rodeo Drive will pay tribute to some of the most famous names in Italian design and lifestyle. "The annual Father's Day event will highlight a WORLD CLASS combination of automobiles, motorcycles and designers featuring Italian makes and models," says Bruce Meyer, Chairman of the annual event. "We hope to curate the best selection of Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Fiat, Lamborghini, Lancia and Maseratis from Southern California and the Western United States for this year's tribute to Italy."
10AM-4PM in the 200-400 blocks of Rodeo Drive. http://www.rodeodrive-bh.com/CNC/CNC_2011.html

June 16-17 - Irish Fair and Festival - Irvine
Celebrating its 37th year, The Irish Fair & Music Festival has become the largest festival of its kind in Western America. With 16 entertainment areas featuring the best in Irish music and numerous events and display, the fair visitor will be hard pressed to take it all in. On the left is a list on the many attractions the fair has to offer and over the years the fair has brought the best Ireland. Entertainers such as Tommy Makem, the Clancy Brothers, Hal Roach, Andy Cooney, The Chieftans, the Irish Rovers, Carmel Quinn, Dennis Day and in recent years The Fenians and Young Dubliners just to name a few. We are proud of this tradition and promise to continue it. Irvine Meadows, 8808 Irvine Center Drive. http://www.irishfair.org/html/irish_fair.html

June 16-17 - Pasadena Chalk Festival - Pasadena
The 20th Annual Pasadena Chalk Festival, recipient of the 2010 Guinness World Record for the Largest Display of Chalk Art, will be held once again Father’s Day Weekend June 18 and 19, 2011 at Paseo Colorado. Each year thousands of spectators enjoy the annual festival that is open to the public and free of charge. Paseo Colorado’s outdoor setting with fountains and garden promenades provides a venue for the Pasadena Chalk Festival to continue the legacy of the street painting art form by offering festival visitors an opportunity to shop, dine or see a movie as the works of art come to life. Paseo Colorado is located at 280 East Colorado Boulevard (between Marengo and Los Robles Avenues) http://www.pasadenachalkfestival.com/

June 22-24 - Street Painting Festival - Temecula
More than 100 artist create works of art on the asphalt canvas of Main Street. There will be space for amateurs to creat their own art work. Music and food.http://www.temeculacalifornia.com/

June 23 - Juvenile Diabetis Charity Car Show - Ontario
Last years show had over 300 autos representing over 40 clubs and individuals and over 2,000 spectators in attendance. The car show takes place at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park in Ontario , with a lake setting and parking on the grass. Music, live auction and vendors. http://www.jdrfinlandempire.com/

June 24 - Firefighters Car Show - Rancho Cucamonga
Join Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters for their 15th Annual Car Show to benefit local burn survivors through the Firefighters Quest for Burn Survivors and the Burn Institute - Inland Empire. Enjoy beautifully restored classic cars, opportunity drawings and Oldies music in this lakeside park setting. Public admission is free so bring the kids, family and pets to check out this event in support of local burn survivors. 9AM - 2 PM. http://www.cityofrc.us/cals/default.asp Redhill Community Park

June 30 - Obon Festival - West Covina
Demos and exhibitions of Japanese culture, martial arts, classic Japanese dance, taiko drumming, folk dancing. East San Gabriel Japanese Community Center. http://www.livingdharma.org/

Saturday, May 5, 2012

So Cal Photo Opps 2012

May 2012
Through May 20 - Renaissance Pleasure Faire - Irwindale
One of the largest Renaissance Fairs in the area for seven weekends on 20 acres. Many performances each weekend on 14 stages. Great place to spend the day photographing the many fair goers and artisians in period dress. Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area,15501 Arrow Hwy - Irwindale. www.renfair.com/socal
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Through May 13 - Flower Fields - Carlsbad
Check ahead on condition of flowers. I drove by here on March 3rd and didn't see any blooms.
For many years the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch have been a favorite location to photograph the ranunculuses each spring. The ranch offers tours as well as special events such as Kid's Day and an Arts & Craft fair. The hillside looks like a carpet of color with 50 acres of extraordinary color in bloom on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with a special nursery, garden, and gift shop. Address is 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008 off Hwy. From Los Angeles and Orange County:
Head south on Interstate 5 to Palomar Airport Road exit. Head east (left turn) on Palomar Airport Road to Paseo Del Norte and turn left. Make an immediate right into the parking lot. Visit http://www.theflowerfields.com/ for more information. Hours 9-6.

May 6 - Rancho Days Fiesta - Lake Forest
See what it was like to live in California in the mid 19th century. Food, music, dance, crafts and reenactors. Heritage Hill Historical Park. www.ocparks.com/heritagehill 25151 Serrano Road Lake Forest, CA 92630

May 5-6 - Planes of Fame Air Show - Chino
7000 Merrill at the Chino Airport. Gates open 8AM-5PM, Show 11AM to 4PM.
Come experience the excitement! This year’s show will feature over 40 historic aircraft performing for your enjoyment as well as a salute to 100 years of Naval aviation. U.S. Naval Aviation Centennial events honor a century of mission-ready men and women and recognize their unique aviation-related achievements. During this yearlong, national celebration of Naval Aviation, Planes of Fame Air Museum, in conjunction with the County of San Bernardino, is proud to present "Air Show 2011: Celebrating 100 years of U.S. Naval Aviation". http://www.planesoffame.org/index.php?page=general-info. $20.00 at the Gate, Parking is Free.

May 12 - June 17 Weekends. Koroneburg Old World Festival - Corona
This is my favorite renaissance fair located at Riverview Park, off River Road. They have permanent buildings that make great backdrops, lots of shade, flat walking area. This is a smaller event than the one in Irwindale. I think this makes for better images. Lots of entertainment. Meet hundreds of family members living, working & playing in Southern California’s only permanent Renaissance Village! Visitors to this 1450-1600 European Village are entertained, discover fine arts and crafts, and enjoy delectable food and beverages. The setting is the fictitious estate of the Baron Heinrich Von Lauffer, located along the Rhine river (aka Santa Ana River) between Mainz and Strasbourg. Each year the Baron invites the finest minds and most talented actors to celebrate the coming of spring at his Barony of Koroneburg. The festival celebrates the inventions and changes of the renaissance period. Time: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays & 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays. Location: Crossroads Riverview Park 14600 River Rd, Corona, CA 92880. Cost: $18 Adult; $15 Child 5-11 or Senior 62+; $12 Military with valid ID; Children under 5 Free. www.renaissanceinfo.com/riverview

May 12 - Cruisin' Back to the '50s Car Show - Culver City
Classic Cars, Hot Rods and muscle cars, live music, food and vendors. Culver and Washington Boulevards between Duquesne Ave. and Ince Blvd. http://www.culvercitycarshow.com/

May 19-20 - March AFB Air Show - Riverside
Lot of aircraft demos and flybys. Thunderbirds to appear. Gates open at 8 AM and close at 6:30 PM.
Free admission and free parking! There will be a mandatory metal detection and bag search. No coolers, pets,
bicycles, glass containers, alcoholic beverages, E-Z ups, skateboards, or roller
blades.
Suggestions for your comfort: Folding chair, blanket and sunscreen. http://www.marchfieldairfest.com

May 19-20 - Lesbian & Gay Pride Celebration - Long Beach
Live entertainment on multiple stages, dancing, food and vendors. Large Parade along Ocean Blvd on May 20th. Downtown Long Beach. http://www.longbeachpride.com/ Over the past several years, the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Celebration has become one of the premiere Pride events nationwide now attracting over 80,000 participants over two days. The Festival Celebration includes seven large dance areas including a main stage which has featured musical artists such as Grammy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson, Maya, and India.Arie. 11 AM - 10 PM along Shoreline Drive.

May 19-20 - Rail Festival - Perris
A weekend of fun for the whole family with live music, children's activities and special exhibits. Ride trains and trolleys all day plus a special mini "Run One where you can "take the throttle" on a real locomotive (there is an extracharge for this activity. 9AM-5PM. There will be live bluegrass music, a special parade of Los Angeles trolleys on our "Loop Line", children's bouncy tents, handcar rides, exhibits from the Knott's Berry Farm railroad as well as other special features.
There will also be food vendors on site for lunch. Both trolleys and diesel powered trains will operate on the mainline! This is a gated event, admission is $12 for adults, $8 children 5-11. This price includes unlimited rides on the trains and trolleys*. http://www.oerm.org/

May 19-20 - Annual Muckenthaler Motorcar Festival - Fullerton
The oldest and grandest car show in North Orange County hosts Hot Rods and a Concours D’Elegance with the true classics of the automotive industry spread out over eight acres of lawns. While enjoying the cars, feast on Heroes’ Deli ribs and beer and listen to live music. Make sure to visit our special gallery exhibits featuring Pinewood Design ‘11 and car themed artwork in the main gallery. Proceeds benefit our childrens art programs. There will also be a special performance on Sunday, May 15, by Janet Klein and her Parlour Boys. They wowed us last year with their bawdy songs from the 1920s. Muckenthaler Cultural Center, 1201 W. Malvern, Fullerton. 8am-2PM Sat, 10am-4pm Sunday. http://themuck.org/s/motor-car-festival

May 20 Civil War Reenactment - Ft. Tejon.
Ft Tejon was an actual Fort during the civil war days. It is between Bakersfield and LA in the Grapevine area on Hwy. 5
Battles are at 10:30AM and 1:00 PM on the 3rd Sunday during the Spring and Summer. Like all events, get there early to get the best images. battles are on the actual old Fort Tejon grounds among some of the old buildings. Bring lunch. http://www.forttejon.org/progcw.html

May 22-27 Mule Days Celebration - Bishop
Over 700 mules compete in 14 shows, plus a country music concert, parade, barbacue and dances. Every year during the Memorial Day Weekend, more than 700 mules compete in 181 events at the Bishop Mule Days Celebration. There is no way to actually describe Mule Days. It is part mule show, part test of skills, and part Wild West show. Situated on the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop, California, Mule Days has become an international world class event. Crowds have grown from 200 to more than 30,000 fans! Highlights of the Celebration include the Thursday night concert, featuring Country Music stars, the longest running non-motorized parade on Saturday morning, Steer roping and penning, an event normally reserved for quarter horses, and the Packer's Scramble – the wildest, noisiest and funniest event of the weekend.http://www.muledays.org/

Welcome to SoCal Photo Opps

Most all avid photographers are always looking for places to go to get new and good pictures. I have put together this blog to try and get the word out of upcoming events. Having been a member of many camera clubs over the years I know how it is, looking for someplace to photograph at the last moment.

This Blog is intended to list events of a photographic nature. It is not for listing classes, training or commercial ventures.

If you know of a good photographic event, you can share it with others by Emailing me at cowtech@earthlink.net

The Fine Print

SoCal Photo Opps is a place for photographers to find events in the area that might be photogenic and be worthy hauling out the camera.

Information posted on SoCal Photo Opps is gathered from personal observations, venue websites, web searches and information provided by other photographers. While every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information posted here, the operaters can not be held responsible for errors in dates and times posted.